Health Library

When You Suspect Your Child Is Using Alcohol or Drugs

One of many parents’ biggest fears is that their child will use alcohol or drugs. Alcohol or drug use can harm your child’s growing brain. And use can develop into addiction. So, it is a serious issue. If you suspect that your child is using, take action. Getting help and attention early allows for the best outcome. Talk to your child first. Then, get help from professionals. Below are some tips to help guide you.

Warning signs of possible alcohol or drug use

The following can be signs that a teen has been using alcohol or drugs:

Sudden or significant drop in grades

Increased secrecy around belongings or activities

Changes in friends

Sudden mood or personality changes

Irresponsible behavior

Increase in arguments and breaking rules

Use of breath fresheners and room scents

Smoking cigarettes

Red or glazed eyes; pupil size changes

Seems “hung-over”

Talk to your child

Talking to teenagers is often difficult. Talking about sensitive issues like drugs can be especially hard. The following tips can help:

Sit your child down for a face-to-face talk.

Tell your child the concerns you have. Be specific about what you have noticed about your child’s behavior that worries you.

Expect your child to deny drug or alcohol use. Avoid arguing. Your goal is to put the topic on the table and open a discussion.

Explain that as a parent, it’s your job to protect the child, and drugs and alcohol are dangerous. If there’s any chance that your child is using, you must act.

Keep your tone firm and loving, not accusatory or angry. Avoid losing your temper. Anger is likely to make your child withdraw from you and make it harder for you to help.

If your child asks about your own past or current drug or alcohol use, be honest. But don’t dwell on your use. Focus instead on the potential serious consequences of drug use in your own life and the lives of other adults.

Referring you to other health care professionals who can help with this issue.

Helping develop a treatment plan for your child.

Note that your child’s health care provider may have a confidential discussion with your child about alcohol and drugs. This means that the health care provider cannot tell you what was discussed. This is to promote communication between your child and the health care provider. Talk to your child’s health care provider to learn more about this issue.

Be your child’s safety net

Make it very clear that your child can call you if he or she is drunk or high and needs a way to get home, or is otherwise in trouble. Be sure your child knows that though you disapprove of alcohol or drug use, your first thought is for his or her safety.

Help prevent use and abuse

Be a role model. One of the best ways you can help prevent drug and alcohol use by your child is to model the behavior you want to see. Studies have shown that if parents smoke, drink, or take drugs, their children are more likely to do these things as well. Don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, drink in moderation, and never drink and drive.

Communicate. Tell your child regularly that you disapprove of drug and alcohol use. Be sure your child knows the dangers of using.

Encourage activities. Encourage your child to participate in structured activities that give a sense of purpose and belonging. Examples are team and individual sports, martial arts, music or art classes, religious groups, youth groups, or volunteer programs.

Stay in the loop. Get to know your child’s friends and schedule. Have your child check in with you regularly so you know where he or she is, whom he or she is with, and what he or she is doing.